Preparation and improvement anti-fouling property and biocompatibility of polyethersulfone membrane by blending comb-like amphiphilic copolymer

Comb-like amphiphilic copolymer was synthesized by esterification reaction of styrene maleic anhydride and methoxy polyethylene glycol. The synthesized copolymer was characterized by H-Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Finally, the copolymer was used to improve the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of ultrafiltration polyethersulfone membranes. The properties of modified membranes were characterized by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscope and water contact angle. The ultrafiltration performance of the membranes was investigated by dynamic filtration bovine serum albumin and extracellular polymeric secretions solution. The membrane modified with 2 wt% copolymer displayed the best permeation and antifouling properties. The biocompatibility of the membranes was also evaluated by protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and hemolysis test. The results revealed that the modified membranes had good biocompatibility featured by the lower platelet adhesion, protein adsorption and a little hemolysis.